Zigong Dinosaur Museum is located in Dashanpu, northeast of Zigong City, Sichuan Province, China. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national first-class museum, and a key museum in Sichuan Province. Built on the site of the "Dashanpu Dinosaur Fossil Group Site", it is China's first professional dinosaur museum and one of the world's three major dinosaur site museums. The museum covers an area of more than 70,000 square meters, with the main exhibition hall having a construction area of 6,600 square meters and an exhibition area of 4,600 square meters. Its architectural appearance resembles a large dinosaur lying on its side, with two floors inside. The museum houses the largest number of the most complete dinosaur fossils in the world, boasting extremely high scientific research and ornamental value.
Historical and Cultural Background
The Dashanpu Dinosaur Fossil Group Site was discovered in 1972, with the first excavation conducted in 1977. In 1979, a large number of fossils were exposed due to infrastructure construction. In 1980, several vice-chairpersons of the Zigong Association for Science and Technology jointly issued the "Emergency Appeal for the Immediate Protection of the World-Rare Zigong Dinosaur Fossil Accumulation Layer and the Establishment of a Natural History Museum", which attracted the attention of relevant authorities. In 1982, the National Development and Reform Commission approved the construction of Zigong Dinosaur Museum and allocated 2 million yuan. The foundation works of the museum started in 1983, the main hall was completed in 1985, and the auxiliary works of the museum building were finished in 1986. A trial opening was held during the Spring Festival of the same year, and the museum was officially opened to the public during the Spring Festival of 1987. In 2001, it was designated as a National Geopark and underwent renovation and expansion. In 2008, Zigong City successfully applied for the World Geopark with Zigong Dinosaur Museum as its core park.
Major Attractions
Dinosaur World Hall
Adopting a modern popular ecological display style, 21 dinosaurs of different sizes, species, and shapes are shaped and combined according to their respective physiological and living characteristics, forming groups of ecological sculptural images that are both interconnected and independent. Complemented by a simulated environment, visitors feel as if they are in the Jurassic Kingdom.
Dinosaur Fossil Site Hall
With a total area of nearly 1,500 square meters, it is the world's largest observable fossil burial site to date. Representative fossil exhibits include the skeletal remains of Bashanqiulong (a type of dinosaur) measuring approximately 12 meters in length. Statues of excavators are placed on the site to recreate the scene of the excavation.
Plants and Animals of the Dinosaur Age Hall
By displaying fossils of other Mesozoic plants and animals, this hall recreates a biologically diverse ecosystem of the dinosaur age. It focuses on introducing various plants and animals that lived alongside dinosaurs during the same period, including fish, birds, reptiles, plants, and insects. These fossils provide important evidence for the study of dinosaurs and the entire history of biological evolution.
Rare Dinosaur Fossils Hall
This hall exhibits rare national treasure-level fossil specimens that are of great scientific value and well-preserved. It reflects the abundant "collection" of fossil resources in the "Hometown of Dinosaurs" from one aspect.
Dinosaur Exploration Hall
Built on a newly discovered dinosaur fossil site within the museum campus, its basic exhibition theme is "The Age of Giants on Rocks". With a construction area of 3,334 square meters, it consists of four units: "The Rise of Dinosaurs", "Prehistoric Overlords", "The Fall of the Dinosaur Empire", and "Dinosaurs Taking Flight".
Paleontological "Diseases" Thematic Exhibition Area (Temporary Exhibition in the Museum)
Based on the latest paleontological pathology research results of Zigong Dinosaur Museum, this exhibition brings together more than 300 paleontological fossil specimens collected from home and abroad, including 32 paleopathological fossil specimens and 18 rare specimens. Starting from the perspective of "diagnosing" paleontologies, the exhibition divides its content into popular science thematic exhibitions such as the Emergency Room Space and Orthopedics Space from the perspective of modern medicine.
Tour Route
You can first visit Longshan Mountain and enjoy a view of the Dinosaur Fossil Site Hall from there. Then, tour the Dinosaur Fossil Site Hall, which has an exhibition area of 3,600 square meters. Its basic exhibition is "The Magical Jurassic World", consisting of six exhibition sections: the Preface Hall, Dinosaur World, Dinosaur Fossil Site, Central Hall, Plants and Animals of the Dinosaur Age Hall, and Rare Fossils Hall. Next, go to the Dinosaur Exploration Hall to learn about the rise, dominance, and fall of dinosaurs. After that, visit the Paleontological "Diseases" Thematic Exhibition Area to understand paleontologies from the perspective of modern medicine. Finally, you can see the fossil of Omeisaurus jiaoi, a type of large long-necked sauropod dinosaur unique to the Zigong area in the Middle Jurassic period. With a body length of 23 meters, it is the largest individual dinosaur discovered in Dashanpu so far.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area early to avoid the tourist peak and have a better visiting experience.
- You can rent an audio guide or join a tour group led by the scenic area's guide to gain a deeper understanding of dinosaur knowledge and the museum's historical and cultural background.
- Please take care to protect the exhibits and do not touch the fossils during the visit.
Notes
- Abide by the scenic area's regulations and do not make loud noises inside the museum.
- The lighting inside the museum is relatively dim; please watch your step to ensure safety during the visit.
- If you are accompanied by children, please take good care of them and prevent them from running and making noise, which may affect other visitors.
Transportation
- Bus: You can take local buses in Zigong to the Dinosaur Museum Station. Specific bus routes include Route 35 and Route 306.
- Self-driving: Starting from the urban area of Zigong, you can reach the museum via Shenhaijing Road and Dongyandu Avenue. Simply set your navigation to "Zigong Dinosaur Museum".
Opening Hours
The museum is open from 8:30 to 17:30, and ticket sales stop at 17:00. Please refer to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
On April 29, 2025, the museum issued a closed notice, stating that it would be officially closed from May 10, 2025. The specific reopening time will be announced separately. Please obtain the latest information through the official WeChat public account.
Tickets
The ticket price is 40 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "自贡恐龙博物馆" on WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.